Health Library

What’s True About the Flu?

See how much you know about the flu by taking this quiz.

1. Stomach flu is the worst kind of flu.

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People commonly call viral gastroenteritis the "stomach flu." The flu is actually a respiratory illness. People often use the word flu for any infectious illness they get. The flu is a specific type of infection caused by the influenza virus.

A. TrueB. False

2. The CDC recommends that only people 50 and older get the flu vaccine each fall or winter.

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The CDC recommends that all people ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.

A. TrueB. False

3. The flu shot can give you the flu.

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Some people get mild side effects like a low fever or runny nose after getting a flu shot. This may lead them to think they have the flu.

A. TrueB. False

4. Medicines can help fight the seasonal flu.

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Antiviral drugs can be used against the flu. They work best when started within 2 days of becoming sick. They help to ease symptoms. These drugs can also be used to prevent the flu if you are around someone who has it. The CDC stresses that antiviral medicines are not a substitute for the flu vaccine.

A. TrueB. False

5. If you don't touch an infected person, you won't get the flu.

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The flu virus is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. So objects like glasses, tissues, and towels may have the virus on them. You should avoid people with the flu if you can. Also wash your hands and keep them away from your nose and mouth. Your best protection is the vaccine.

A. TrueB. False

6. A test can quickly tell your health care provider if you have the flu.

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The Rapid Test takes 10 to 30 minutes to show a result. It is less accurate than a viral culture, which takes 48 to 72 hours to give a result.

A. TrueB. False

7. If you are 65 or older, you are at higher risk for complications from the flu.

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Nine out of 10 people who die from the flu each year are older adults who get complications such as pneumonia after they are severely weakened by flu.

A. TrueB. False

8. Symptoms are worse for the flu than a cold.

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The flu begins with a high fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. Most colds don't include high fever or severe headache. Muscle aches during a cold are milder, and fatigue and weakness from a cold are far less severe than from flu.